Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Best and Worst Burgers

best-worst-burger

Recipes for disaster?

By Amanda MacMillan
Burgers are the quintessential summertime food, but not all hamburgers, or even turkey or veggie burgers, are created equal. Cooking method, portion size, and choice of bread and toppings can mean the difference between a relatively harmless lunch and a day's worth of calories, fat, and sodium.

We rounded up some of the healthiest and unhealthiest examples of what American restaurants are serving between two buns, and got an expert's feedback on the nutritional pitfalls. Here's what to look for—and what to stay far away from—the next time a burger craving hits.
wendys-junior-burger

Best plain burger patty

Wendy's Jr. Hamburger

A healthy rule of thumb is to keep your meal around 500 calories, says Katherine Brooking, a registered dietitian and cofounder of AppforHealth.com, but that can be hard with big juicy burgers and lots of fixings. You're generally safe, though, with the plainest, smallest burger available.

"If you stick with a plain single patty, you may even be able to have a small order of fries," she says. All the major drive-throughs have similar plain offerings, but Wendy's Jr. Hamburger—at just 230 calories, 8 grams of fat (3 grams saturated), and 470 milligrams of sodium—is the least nutritionally offensive.
in-out-protein-burger

Best low-carb burger

In-N-Out Burger's Hamburger With Onion, Protein Style

Health-conscious Californians love to order their burgers from this West Coast chain "protein style," which means the bun is replaced with a lettuce wrap. (The simple swap can save you 150 calories and 28 grams of carbohydrates.)

Here, a hamburger with onion and no bun has 240 calories, 17 grams of fat (4 grams saturated), and 370 milligrams of sodium; ask for ketchup and mustard instead of their signature spread to save another 80 calories.
dq-mushroom

Best burger with mushrooms and cheese

Dairy Queen's Mushroom Swiss GrillBurger

A burger topped with mushrooms has to be healthier than the competition, right?

"When it comes to fast food, all bets are off," says Brooking. "Mushrooms could have been sautéed in butter or high-fat oil, or had a lot of salt added."

Dairy Queen's quarter-pound Mushroom Swiss GrillBurger is best, with 590 calories, 35 grams of fat (12 grams saturated), and 700 milligrams of sodium. Remember: Veggies are usually a smart idea, but check nutritional information to see how much fat those seemingly healthy toppings are adding.
teds-bison-burger

Best other-meat burger

Ted's Montana Grill's Skinny Dip Bison Burger

Want a more health-conscious burger but can't give up the meat? Bison (or buffalo) has fewer calories and less saturated fat than beef, says Brooking, making it a good substitute for picky carnivores.

At this chain founded by media mogul Ted Turner, you can order any burger with beef or bison meat. The Skinny Dip bison sandwich, served on an oat-and-wheat bun and topped with avocado slices, will run you 606 calories, 29 grams of fat (7 grams saturated), and—watch out!—1,973 milligrams of sodium; go bunless to save 210 calories and 360 milligrams of sodium.
cheeseburger-paradise

Best gluten-free burger (with bun!)

Cheeseburger in Paradise's Back to Basics Burger

Jimmy Buffet's tropics-themed establishment offers beef, turkey, and veggie burgers, as well as seafood and chicken. And now they're all available on gluten-free buns, which have 250 calories and 9 grams of fat—5 grams saturated.

The restaurant has long offered a gluten-free menu and modified meals for those with a gluten intolerance. But with this new addition, diners with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can finally enjoy burgers the same way the rest of us can—utensil free, between two pieces of bread
zucchini-cake-mini

Best sliders

Ruby Tuesday's Zucchini Cake Minis

Don't let size fool you. A serving of mini burgers at some chains can easily cost you more calories than a single normal-size sandwich. (Chili's Big Mouth Bites dinner served with ranch dressing and fries totals more than 2,100 calories!)

Ruby Tuesday's combination meals, which let you pair mini burgers with soup or salad, is the smartest choice we found. Our favorites are the delicious zucchini cake patties—made with roasted red peppers and feta cheese—with 580 calories, 22 grams of fat (3 grams saturated), and 1,714 milligrams of sodium.
bk-veggie-burger

Best meatless drive-through burger

Burger King's BK Veggie Burger

Even vegetarians can have it their way with Burger King's Morningstar Farms Garden Veggie patty on a sesame-seed bun with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, and mayo. Order it without mayo and it's only 320 calories, 7 grams of fat (1 gram saturated), and 960 milligrams of sodium.

Brooking says high amounts of sodium are difficult to avoid in fast-food burgers. The current recommendation for most people is no more than 2,300 milligrams a day (about a teaspoon of table salt), because high-sodium diets can raise blood pressure and contribute to heart disease.
dennys-veggie-burger

Best restaurant veggie burger

Denny's Veggie Burger

"America's diner" is known for its hearty breakfasts and fat-filled meals, but they get points in our burger book for offering an Amy's Veggie Burger made from organic grains, vegetables, and protein-rich soy.

Order it off the menu and it'll come with melted pepper Jack cheese, spinach, tomato, and grilled mushrooms on a wheat bun, with a side of balsamic vinaigrette and fresh veggies—all for 540 calories, 13 grams of fat (5 grams saturated), and 1,340 milligrams of sodium.
cheeburger-portabello

Best portobello burger

Cheeburger Cheeburger's Grilled Mushroom Portobello Sandwich

Cheeburger Cheeburger's portobello mushroom sandwich doesn't have any beef, but it's the same meaty texture and has much less saturated fat.

A plain portobello sandwich, served on a kaiser roll, will run you 476 calories, 24 grams of fat (5 grams saturated), and 1,415 milligrams of sodium. You can also get it on a platter, served with fries or onion rings and a side salad or coleslaw. Go easy on the signature sauces, which are notorious everywhere for corrupting even the healthiest of meal choices.
carls-jr-turkey-burger

Best turkey burger

Hardee's and Carl's Jr.'s Charbroiled Turkey Burger

"In general, ground turkey has less saturated fat than ground beef," says Brooking, "but at a restaurant, you can never be sure whether one turkey burger is better for you than another beef burger." And we found plenty of turkey burgers covered in cheese, bacon, and even fried onion rings.

So we were delighted by the options at Hardee's and Carl's Jr. They teamed up with an editor from Men's Health to offer five turkey burgers under 500 calories: Plain, BBQ Ranch, or Mushroom & Swiss (at Hardee's) and Plain, Guacamole, and Teriyaki (at Carl's Jr.).

friendlys-grill-cheese

Worst "cheeseburger"

Friendly's Grilled Cheese Burger

You've seen the best—now here's the worst! Friendly's has combined the burger with another greasy-gooey comfort food: the grilled cheese sandwich.

Not one grilled cheese sandwich, either. This monster "Big Beef burger" comes nestled between two grilled cheese sandwiches (four slices of bread!) layered with lettuce, tomato, and mayo, and will run you 1,540 calories, 92 grams of fat (35 grams saturated), and 2,490 milligrams of sodium. This is essentially three sandwiches masquerading as one
dennys-double-cheese-burger

Worst double cheeseburger

Denny's Double Cheeseburger

When it comes to burgers, you could assume double-anything probably isn't the healthiest of options, which is why this Denny's burger made our worst list. Unlike many of the concoctions on our worst list, this double cheeseburger doesn't come with a ton of toppings or sugary sauces. It's essentially just the basics—cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onions—and two beef patties.

This unassuming burger clocks in at 1,400 calories, 87 grams of fat (41 grams saturated), and 2,680 milligrams of sodium. We're begging you: Please don't add bacon!
sonic-ring-leader

Worst drive-in burger

Sonic's Ring Leader Loaded Burger

For the most part, fast-food restaurants fared pretty well on our best and worst lists; their patties tend to be smaller and not as juicy (read: less fatty) than a lot of the diner or bar-and-grill chains. But, of course, there are exceptions.

With just one patty—plus bacon, cheese, a fried onion ring, and mayo—Sonic's Ring Leader Loaded Burger manages to pack in 1,230 calories, 86 grams of fat (28 grams saturated), and 1,230 milligrams of sodium. What's even worse? You can also order it as a double.
perkins-sunrise-burger

Worst burger posing as breakfast

Perkins' Sunrise Burger

This hamburger patty also has a fried egg, bacon, hash browns, two cheeses, and sour cream, totaling (with fries) 1,580 calories, 91 grams of fat (29 grams saturated), and 2,490 milligrams of sodium. It also has 425 milligrams of cholesterol—142% of your daily recommended value!

"It's ludicrous that people are encouraged to eat like this," says Brooking. "If a healthy person has this meal once, it's obviously not going to result in a heart attack, but a lot of people should not even entertain the thought of putting an egg on a burger and loading it with toppings."


avocado-turkey-rt

Worst healthy-sounding burger

Ruby Tuesday's Avocado Turkey Burger

Turkey and heart-healthy avocado—what's not to like? But the deceitful title of this sandwich doesn't mention the Swiss cheese or bacon it's also served with. Once you know the whole story, it's easy to see why this one's 887 calories, 54 grams of fat, and 2,441 milligrams of sodium.

Ruby's plain turkey burger is a healthier option at just 700 calories. Or even better, ask for the Turkey Burger Wrap, which has just 591 calories.
whitecaps-fifth-third-burger

Worst oversized burger

Fifth Third Ballpark's Fifth Third Burger

The West Michigan Whitecaps' minor league baseball stadium serves the Fifth Third Burger: one and two-thirds pounds of beef, five slices of cheese, salsa, nacho cheese, Fritos, chili, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream, all on an 8-inch sesame-seed bun. It's meant to feed four, but you get a T-shirt if you eat it by yourself!

If you can't get to Michigan, rest easy: Cheeburger Cheeburger offers the 20-ounce Pounder—1,394 calories, 81 grams of fat (29 grams saturated), and 1,903 milligrams of sodium—which should tide you over.
georgia-fatty-food

Worst fair or festival burger

Krispy Kreme Burger

It's the infamous Luther (Vandross) burger, also known as the Krispy Kreme burger. That's a hamburger patty, often with bacon and a fried egg, sandwiched between two doughnuts.

The Machine Shed, the Midwest chain who manned the Krispy Kreme doughnut booth at 2010's Wisconsin State Fair, upped the ante even more with an optional chocolate-covered bacon topping. There's no official word on how bad for you these really are, but with two original glazed donuts at 190 calories each, you're looking at quite a meal from just the "bun" alone.
red-robin-patty-melt

Worst burger melt

Red Robin's All-American Patty Melt

You might think a sandwich on marble rye bread has got to be healthier than one on a fluffy, doughy hamburger bun. This Red Robin creation will prove you wrong.

The All-American Patty Melt, topped with two slices of cheese, caramelized onions, and Thousand Island dressing, is one of the worst items on the Red Robin menu: 1,315 calories, 98 grams of fat, and 2,064 milligrams of sodium.
applebees-quesdilla-burger

Worst burger hybrid

Applebee's Quesadilla Burger

Swapping your bun for a tortilla isn't the solution, says Brooking. "When you're at the grocery, you can make smart choices and buy a low-fat tortilla with 100 calories. But at a restaurant, you have no idea what's in there."

Applebee's Quesadilla Burger is ground beef with "Mexi-ranch sauce," pico de gallo, bacon, and shredded lettuce, served in a pepper Jack and cheddar quesadilla. With 1,240 calories, 103 grams of fat (43 grams saturated), and 3,530 milligrams of sodium, it could bring you one step closer to a life-threatening heart attack.
chillis-southern-bacon

Burger so bad it should be illegal

Chili's Southern Smokehouse Bacon Burger

We thought we were going to have a tough time crowning the very worst burger. And then we found the Southern Smokehouse Bacon Burger.

Think of every high-fat, high-sodium, and high-calorie topping, and this one's got it: maple bacon, smoked cheddar, mayonnaise, crispy onion strings, and ancho-chile barbecue sauce. With fries, the meal has 2,290 calories and more fat and sodium than you should consume in two days: 139 grams of fat (211% of the proper daily intake), 46 grams of saturated fat (230%), and a bloodcurdling 6,500 milligrams of sodium (271%).
http://www.health.com

Monday, June 27, 2011

Hair Color That Turns Heads

hair-color-opener

3 benefits of gorgeous hair color

By Melanie Rud
Good hair color can be so much more than, well, just color. It can play up your features, give you a healthy glow, and even slim your face. Find your do-it-all shade.
kristen-bell-hair

Benefit #1: Color enhances any cut

Turn a good haircut into an amazing one by choosing a color that complements your style. If you have long layers (like Kristen Bell), add highlights throughout. "They accentuate each individual layer and add definition to the varying lengths," explains Marie Robinson, colorist and co-owner of Marie Robinson Salon.

Try Kelly Van Gogh Heads Up Couture Highlighting Kit ($49; spacenk.com), which has pro tools and a gel highlighting formula that lets you see exactly where you’re placing the color.
salma-hayek-hair

Sleek, sharp bob

If you sport a more structured style (like Salma Hayek’s blunt cut), use a rich, single-process dye, such as U Color by Umberto ($12; ulta.com). "The solid color reflects more light, and the shine puts the focus on the cut, not the color," Robinson explains.


red-hair-bangs

The beauty of bangs

Got bangs like Bryce Dallas Howard? Keep them one color so they look as if they are lying smoothly, with no zebra-like, stripey effect.
hair-color-brown

Benefit #2: It plays up your features

Strategically placed hair color—like makeup—enhances what you’ve got. If you want your face to look less round, ask your colorist to weave lowlights that are slightly darker than your base color all along your hairline. "This adds depth that helps to accentuate your facial contours and make your features seem more angular," Robinson says.

Hair that’s colored slightly lighter than your natural shade will add a glow to your face that can minimize the appearance of fine lines, says Aura Friedman, lead color ambassador for Wella Professionals and a colorist at Serge Normant Salon. Ask your colorist to add highlights to the front of your hair, placing some at cheek level
tubes-hair-color

Benefit #3: Color can make hair smooth and super-shiny

If your strands are dry or frizzy looking, Robinson suggests using a clear gloss treatment. "It helps to seal damaged hair’s roughed-up cuticle layer, making strands look smoother and shinier," she explains. We like L’Oréal Paris Colorist Secrets Shine Gloss ($10; drugstores), which you apply on dry hair, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse.

If split ends are your issue, the only way to eliminate them completely is a trim. However, asking your colorist to add lowlights throughout and subtly deepen the color at the ends can minimize their appearance, Friedman explains
hair-color-esalon

Get pro results (at home!)

Somewhere between the ease (and inexpensiveness) of at-home dyeing and the expertise of the salon is newly launched eSalon.com. Log on to the site and answer detailed questions about your hair-color history, the hue you want, what your natural texture is—everything a stylist would ask—and a professional colorist will analyze your answers and create a customized kit ($22; esalon.com)
loreal-hair-color

Goof-proof color

Eighty-nine percent of women fear they’ll mess up if they color their own hair, a recent L’Oréal study reveals. But there’s no reason to skip out on all the benefits of a new hue: L’Oréal Paris Healthy Look Sublime Mousse ($10; drugstores) makes it virtually impossible to make a mistake.

The permanent formula is a creamy mousse you massage in (the foam expands to wrap each strand in dye so you can’t miss spots). Plus, if you have a smartphone, you can scan the box’s QR code (it looks like a square bar code) to view a how-to tutorial on your phone
http://www.health.com

Thursday, June 23, 2011

5 Weeks to Your Best Body Ever: The Workout

looking-in-mirror

This is the moment to get real

By Shaun Chavis and Su Reid-St. John
Love your shape—starting right now—with this five-week plan that gets you strong, toned and thoroughly thin (15 pounds down in just 5 weeks).

Whether you want to tone up after an indulgent holiday or finally drop that 10, 20, even 50 pounds, we’ve got the plan that will truly transform your body. We built this simple slim-down around the three key strategies that actually lead to weight loss.
log-eating-stay-motivated

You’re spelling out your goals

Writing down the reasons you want to drop pounds gets your invested in the positive changes you’re about to make. And reading that list whenever temptation hits is like a quickie intervention that keeps you strong.

light-weights

You’re burning maximum fat...

...and building calorie-blasting muscle. Workouts that combine cardio and strength burn more calories per minute than other methods, so we created a metabolism-boosting routine to get you fast results. Bonus: The more muscle you build, the more calories you’ll continue to torch throughout the day.
eat-light-lunch-sandwich

You’re eating hunger-stopping foods

Plenty of diets starve you, leaving you hungry enough to eat your iPod—and what’s next? A calorie pile-on and a failed plan—not for a lack of willpower, but a lack of sustenance! Real success comes from eating the good-for-you foods proven to fill you up.

Put these secrets together, and you can shed pounds fast—and build the kind of muscle that helps you keep it off for good.
diary

Best body secret: Put it in writing!

Reminding yourself every day why you want to get slim keeps you focused and on track, says Judith S. Beck, PhD, psychologist and author of The Complete Beck Diet for Life. Jot down all your reasons (try to come up with at least 15 to 20), and keep your list handy – whether it’s on your smartphone notepad or an old-school sticky note on your fridge or in your handbag.

"People who write this down—and read it daily—are significantly more successful than those who don’t," she says. "Read your list every morning, because you never know what you day is going to be like, and pull it out at your most vulnerable moments, too."
wipe-sweat-off

Best body secret: Burn fat and build muscle!

The most effective way to get rid of flab isn’t to spend countless hours on the treadmill. "Circuit training—doing both quick, intense cardio intervals and strength training—blasts fat and calories faster than anything else you can do," reveals trainer and exercise physiologist Amy Dixon, who created this workout.

In fact, a new study confirms that circuits incinerate more calories per minute than other methods—and burning off excess fat is the key to getting slim. Plus, when you add strength, you create muscle that continuously burns fat and calories.
best-side-squat

Cardio: Side squat hop and reach

(Do this circuit 3 times, which should take about 40 minutes, to burn up to 450 calories. Do the workout 4 times per week).

Start standing with feet together and arms by your sides. Step your left foot out to the side, and come down into a low squat with feet slightly wider than hip-distance apart. Touch the floor with your right fingertips or hand, then press back up and step your left foot back in. Immediately repeat on the opposite side; continue alternating for 1 minute.
best-reach-pull

Strength: Reach out and pull

Kneel in front of a stability ball, and place your elbows on the ball at 90-degree angles to come into a modified plank position with forearms on the ball, chest off the ball, and core braced; raise both feet off the floor. Extend your arms, rolling the ball away from you, then bend your elbows to pull the ball back in. That’s 1 rep; do 12–15 reps. (For more of a challenge, do the move in a full plank position with legs extended.)
best-jump-rope

Cardio: Jump rope

Keeping your upper arms by your sides and feet close together, circle the rope, and jump as fast as you can for 1 minute.
best-punch-twist

Strength: Punch and twist

Sit on a stability ball with knees bent and feet on the floor, holding an 8-to-10-pound dumbbell in your right hand. Roll down until only your head, neck, and shoulders are on the ball, with feet directly under your knees. Bend your right elbow to 90 degrees with your palm forward and elbow directly out to the side; at the same time, extend your left arm out to the side.

Pull your left arm in, twisting your torso to the left while pressing into the ball with your bent left elbow; at the same time, punch the weight up with your right arm. Return to previous position. Do 12–15 reps; switch sides and repeat.
best-x-jack

Cardio: X-Jack jump

Stand with feet together and arms down by your sides. Circle your arms in, up, and out while jumping your feet wide apart. Circle your arms back in and down as you jump your feet together. Repeat, but this time try to get into X position while you’re in the air, landing with feet together and arms down. Continue alternating for 1 minute.
best-dg-row

Strength: Diagonal row to single arm shoulder press

Stand tall with feet slightly wider than hip-distance apart, toes turned out, and knees slightly bent. Hold an 8-to-10-pound dumbbell in your right hand with arms by your sides. Bend both knees to 90 degrees, and pivot on your right foot so the right knee is facing the inside of the left leg; at the same time, hinge at the hips, twist through your core, and reach your right arm across your body toward your left ankle.

On the return, straighten both legs, and pivot your right foot back to original position while simultaneously bending your elbow to bring the weight up to your right shoulder, palm forward; extend your arm to press it up. Return to starting position; that’s 1 rep; do 12–15 reps, then switch sides and repeat.
best-roll-ball

Cardio: Roll the ball shuffle

Stand with feet wider than hip-width apart and a stability ball in front of you; push your butt back to lower into a squat. With your left hand, push the ball so it rolls to the right; at the same time, shuffle sideways and "catch" the ball with your right hand. Quickly push the ball to the left, and shuffle back to the left to "catch" it. Continue alternating for 1 minute.
best-ball-ext

Strength: Single leg stability ball roll and triceps extension

Stand with your left leg extended back and the top of your left foot on a stability ball, holding a 5-to-8-pound dumbbell in each hand. Keeping your upper arms close to your sides, bend your elbows to bring the weights to the sides of your chest.

Bending your right knee slightly, hinge forward at the waist to form a straight line from head to lifted toe; at the same time, extend your arms back. Return to starting position; that’s 1 rep. Do 12–15 reps, then switch sides and repeat.
best-get-down

Cardio: Get down–Get up tuck

Lie facedown on a mat with hands alongside your chest, elbows bent and back. Engage your core and press your entire body up, jumping up to a standing crouch. Explode off the floor with both arms extended in front of you, palms down, bending your knees as you jump to try to touch your thighs to your palms.

Land softly, bring your hands to mat, and jump your feet back into plank position with elbows slightly bent and hands under shoulders. Slowly lower to starting position. Repeat sequence for 1 minute.
best-c-curl

Strength: Single leg curtsy curl side knee lift

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and turned out, an 8-to-10-pound dumbbell in each hand, and arms by your sides. Keeping hips forward, bend knees as you bring left foot back and behind body to right side of right foot with heel lifted, as if curtsying.

As you straighten legs, press into right heel and do a side knee raise with left leg; at the same time, turn palms forward and curl the weights up to shoulders. Return to A position; that’s 1 rep. Do 12–15 reps; switch sides and repeat.
best-high-kick

Cardio: Reverse lunge and reach with front kick

Stand with feet together. Step your right foot back, and bend your left knee to 90 degrees to come into a reverse lunge. Reach your right arm down, and touch the floor directly by the inside of your left leg.

Next, press up through your left foot, and bring your right foot through and into a front kick without touching it to the floor; at the same time, curl your fists up toward your chin in fighter position. Return to lunge position; repeat series for a total of 30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat for 30 more seconds.
best-knee-pike

Strength: Double knee drive–pike plank

Come into the "up" part of push-up position with feet and lower legs resting on a stability ball, hands directly underneath shoulders. Engage your abs and use your core strength to roll the ball in toward your hips, knees bending and hips lifting. Lifting your hips even higher, straighten your legs to come into pike position; hold for 3 seconds. Bend your knees again, then return to starting position; that’s 1 rep. Do 12–15 reps.
http://www.health.com

Monday, April 25, 2011

Easy Easter Brunch Recipes

mini-salmon-Frittata

Delicious Easter eats

Celebrate Easter Sunday by leaving the Peeps and chocolate bunnies in your basket. Instead, feast on these healthy, fresh, and fast spring recipes.

Mini Smoked Salmon Frittatas

These portion-controlled frittatas sneak in healthy substitutions without compromising flavor. Egg whites, low-fat cream cheese, and scallions add a savory taste for less than 200 calories.

Ingredients: Olive oil, onion, smoked salmon, eggs, half-and-half, milk, low-fat cream cheese, scallions

Calories: 179

triple-pea-salad

Triple Pea Salad With Creamy Tarragon Dressing

This veggie-rich dish contains a hearty dose of vitamin C in every crunchy bite. And the light yet creamy dressing kicks the flavor up a notch.

Ingredients: White wine vinegar, reduced-fat sour cream, olive oil, honey, tarragon, frozen peas, edamame, sugar snap peas, mixed salad greens, radish wedges

Calories: 138

ham-strata

Goat Cheese, Artichoke, and Smoked Ham Strata

Get savory Mediterranean flavor in this artichoke and goat cheese strata. Sourdough bread adds a complementary, tangy taste, and the ham offers a perfect smoky finish. Low-fat dairy products and fresh spices keep this dish a lean 379 calories.

Ingredients: Low-fat milk, egg substitute, goat cheese, thyme, nutmeg, garlic, sourdough bread, Parmesan cheese, smoked ham, artichoke hearts, fontina cheese

Calories: 379
lavender-fruit-salad

Lavender-Scented Summer Fruit Salad

Dried lavender adds a delicate flavor to the honey-lime dressing in this fresh fruit salad. Stone fruit and berries are rich in antioxidants and provide the right tangy-tart flavors to balance the sweet topping.

Ingredients: Peaches, nectarines, plums, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, honey, dried lavender, lime juice, mint leaves

Calories: 119

almond-brioche

Almond Ciabatta French Toast

A new take on French toast, this recipe uses vanilla and almond extracts to add flavoring, and sliced almonds to provide a heartier texture. You'll get a boost of fiber and protein in the form of a sweet breakfast treat.

Ingredients: Vanilla extract, almond extract, eggs, sugar, low-fat milk, whole milk, ciabatta bread, almonds

Calories: 367

torte

Raspberry-Almond Torte With Chocolate Ganache

A rich dessert like this will keep you away from the processed candies in your Easter basket. Almond paste and raspberry preserves make a decadent flavor combination, but low-fat dairy keeps this recipe figure-friendly.

Ingredients: Butter, almond paste, granulated sugar, eggs, flour, lemon juice, raspberry preserves, powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa, fat-free milk, semisweet chocolate

Calories: 320

iced-tea

Frozen Iced Tea

If you're craving a lighter finish to a hearty brunch, make this refreshing iced treat. For an added layer of freshness, add a few mint sprigs.

Ingredients: Tea bags, sugar, light-colored corn syrup, lemon, mint sprigs (optional)

Calories: 115

rasp-lemonade

Raspberry Lemonade

The raspberry puree and sugar add just the right amount of sweetness to the sour lemons. The result is a cold, tart drink that is rich in vitamin C.

Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice, sugar, raspberry puree, ice

Calories: 114
http://www.health.com

 
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